Why is Google showing outdated photos of my business?

Google shows outdated photos of your business when old images are still in your Business Profile, when photos added by customers or Street View images are shown instead of yours, or when Google considers your cover photo not the best representation of the business. You can delete your own old photos, upload current ones and set a new cover photo, but you cannot directly decide which image Google shows first.

Google is explicit about this: setting a cover photo does not guarantee that it appears as the first image. If the cover photo is low quality, or if other sources suggest it is not the best photo of the business, Google may select a photo submitted by a user instead.

Where do the outdated photos come from?

• Your own old uploads. Photos you or a previous agency uploaded years ago stay in the profile until someone deletes them, even after a renovation, a move or a rebrand.
• Photos from customers. Visitors can add photos to your profile in Google Maps. These photos are not under your control and may show an old shop front or products you no longer sell.
• Street View images. Google captures Street View on its own schedule. An exterior view from before a renovation may stay visible until Google takes new images.
• A weak cover photo. If your cover photo is blurred, dark or does not show the business clearly, Google may prefer another image, which can be an older one.
• Uploads still being reviewed. New photos are first checked against Google’s policies. While the status is Pending, they are not shown in Search or Maps. According to Google, it can take up to 24 to 48 hours before photos appear.

How do I replace outdated photos?

1. Delete your own old photos. On your computer, search for your business name and city in Google Search or Maps, open Photos, select the outdated photo and click Delete.
2. Upload current photos. Add photos of the exterior, interior, team, products and services. Google recommends JPG or PNG, between 10 KB and 5 MB, with a recommended resolution of 720 by 720 pixels. Photos should be in focus, well lit and not heavily edited.
3. Set a new cover photo and logo. Under Photos, choose Change cover or Change logo. Use an image that clearly shows the business today. The logo only appears when name, address, categories, phone number and opening hours are complete.
4. Report problematic customer photos. You cannot delete customer photos yourself. If a photo violates Google’s policies, for example because it does not show your business or reveals personal information, open it and select Report a problem. According to Google, the review can take several business days.
5. Check the result. After a few days, search for your business on desktop and mobile and see which images appear first. Check that your new uploads have the status Live.

What if a customer photo is simply old?

An old but accurate photo does not violate Google’s policies, so a removal request will usually not succeed. The more reliable route is to show the current state of your business with enough good photos of your own. Keep adding new photos regularly, for example after a renovation, a new season or new products. That also gives Google more current images to choose from.

Delete your own outdated images, upload several sharp, current photos of exterior and interior, and set a cover photo that shows the business today. Only report customer photos that actually violate Google’s policies.

Sources

• Business Profile Help: Manage your Business Profile photos and videos
• Business Profile Help: Report inappropriate photos or videos
• Business Profile Help: Photos, videos and posts content policy

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